Family Matters Book 3

Kyle

Today, the entire family is descending upon us. For some inexplicable reason, I’m a bundle of nerves.

The grand opening of the casino is looming at the end of the week. Despite feeling like we’ve done a stellar job preparing, I can’t shake the fear that it might not meet Xavier’s expectations.

Xavier’s casinos in Las Vegas have been a roaring success. I’m hoping he’ll appreciate the effort Austin and I have put into Onyx. I don’t want to let him down again, not after everything I’ve put him and Cassie through.

Another reason for my anxiety is Jana. My sister and Chelsea thought it would be a good idea to invite her over to meet the rest of the clan. I get why they did it, considering how close we’ve all become in recent months.

She’s practically family already. It’s only logical she meets everyone else. But I don’t want to overwhelm her, and my family can be a lot to handle, especially my dad.

About an hour ago, my dad messaged us that they were about to land. We immediately sprang into action, preparing the house for their arrival.

Ashlie and Chelsea were in the kitchen, whipping up a feast, while Austin, Rodney, Lucas, and I were setting up tables on the patio.

I tried to focus on the task at hand, but my mind kept drifting to my worries and doubts.

“Hey,” Austin nudges my arm, “quit overthinking.” He chuckles and shakes his head at me.

“I can practically see the gears grinding in your head. You’re about to start smoking.” Rodney joins in the laughter as he approaches us. He claps a hand on my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“Whatever’s eating at you, let it go,” he advises with a grin. I sigh and sink into one of the chairs.

“What if Xavier doesn’t like what we’ve done here?” I voice my concern to Austin and Rodney, who’ve taken seats beside me. “What if the grand opening next week is a total disaster?”

“Are you seriously worried about that?” Austin rolls his eyes.

“I don’t want to let him down,” I confess. Austin pulls out his phone and scrolls through a series of text messages he’d sent to Xavier.

They were photos of the casino at various stages of construction and interior design. Xavier’s responses were filled with words like “amazing,” “incredible,” and his latest message expressing his excitement to see the final product.

A smile tugs at my lips. I hadn’t realized Austin had been keeping Xavier in the loop beyond our weekly calls.

“See, you’ve got no reason to worry about Xavier’s reaction,” Austin reassures me as he pockets his phone.

“He’s proud of what we’ve accomplished here. And he’s especially proud of you for stepping up and taking charge, especially since I couldn’t be here as much due to Chelsea’s pregnancy.”

“Thanks, Austin. That makes me feel a bit better.” Austin leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Now, why don’t you tell us what’s really bothering you,” he suggests with a knowing smirk. I chuckle and shake my head. I’d forgotten how well Austin knows me.

“I’m nervous about Jana meeting the rest of the family all at once. You know how intense my dad and your parents can be. And I haven’t even thought about what Charlie and Sadie might do to her.”

Austin bursts into laughter, and Rodney and I can’t help but join in.

“You’re worried they’ll make Jana uncomfortable,” Rodney chuckles.

“Yeah! Introducing a girl to them is like walking into a minefield,” I sigh. “Especially when we’re still figuring out our feelings for each other.” Austin shakes his head and leans in to look me in the eye.

“Firstly, they’ll behave themselves until they know her well enough to gauge how much teasing she can handle,” he assures me with a smile.

“Secondly, that woman is head over heels for you. I’m pretty sure there’s nothing our parents, or Cassie’s parents, can do to scare her off.” His words leave me wide-eyed, prompting another round of laughter from him.

“Don’t look so shocked! It’s clear as day that woman is in love with you, and you’re just as smitten. Anyone with eyes can see it.”

I turn to Rodney, who’s snickering and nodding in agreement.

“You two are terrible at hiding your feelings for each other, by the way,” Rodney adds before breaking into laughter and exchanging a fist bump with Austin. I roll my eyes and shake my head at their antics.

“Austin’s right, we all adore her,” he says, giving my shoulder a comforting squeeze.

“We won’t do anything to jeopardize what you two have. We’re all cheering for you guys, just waiting for the day you both stop being stubborn and admit your feelings for each other.”

Their laughter echoes louder as I reach forward and punch them both in the arm. Just then, Ashlie and Chelsea join us on the patio.

“What’s the joke?” Chelsea inquires. Rodney and Austin point at me, still laughing.

“Is Kyle stressing over Jana again?” Ashlie teases. They both nod as she comes to sit next to me.

“Haven’t we talked about this already?” She wraps her arms around me. I sigh and nod. “Alright, then. Stop fretting. Everything will work out. I promise.”

“You promise?” I question her.

“Yes,” she says confidently. “I’ve already warned dad, Uncle Jason, and Aunt Elena to behave or I’ll make them share a room when they arrive.

“You know Aunt Elena wouldn’t last a night with the brothers and their snoring, and Uncle Jason can’t get romantic with Aunt Elena if dad’s in the room.”

“God, Ashlie!” Austin exclaims, covering his ears. “I didn’t need that image!” We all burst into laughter, stopping abruptly when we hear my dad’s voice echoing through the house.

“DARLING! WE’RE BACK! WHERE THE HELL IS EVERYONE?!” my dad bellows.

“Man, he’s loud!” Ashlie giggles. “The whole state probably heard him.”

We chuckle as we rise to greet everyone. Before we reach the door, Ashlie stops me, giving me a warm smile.

“I’m proud of you, little brother. You’ve worked so hard on the casino and it looks fantastic. And I’m glad you have Jana and Athena. You deserve a fairy-tale ending.”

“Thanks, Ash.” I smile, kissing the top of her head. “Let’s go see our overgrown child of a father before he throws a fit.”

She nods and we enter the house, hand in hand. I appreciate how my sister always knows what to say when I’m overthinking.

I greet everyone, feeling much more confident about the casino opening and Jana meeting the family.

“Ah! My prodigal children!” my dad’s voice fills the house as Ashlie and I step inside.

He strides forward, arms wide open, fingers wiggling, beckoning us. We shake our heads at him, walking into his bear hug.

When he steps back, he pats my cheek, smiling. “You look good, son.”

“You too, old man,” I chuckle. His smile softens and I see his eyes welling up.

“You look happy. I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time.” He blinks back tears and starts scanning the room.

“So, where’s your lady so I can thank her for making you complete?” My eyes widen, and I blush slightly as everyone else bursts into laughter.

“She’s not my lady,” I correct him. “We’re just…”

“Yes, I know, ‘friends.’” He mimics me, making air quotes around the word friends. I roll my eyes at him and walk away to greet the rest of the family.

“Well? Are you hiding her, or did you forget to untie her from your bed? Jana! Come out, come out, wherever you are! Don’t think I won’t call the dogs to find you!” my dad jokes.

He starts searching for Jana under the couch cushions and behind furniture before heading towards my bedroom. I freeze as everyone continues to laugh.

“Are you serious?” I ask him. He stops and turns to me, grinning.

“No,” he chuckles and walks back towards me. “Your sister told me to behave, so I’m getting it all out of my system now before she arrives.”

He winks and pats my shoulder. “But I am serious about you looking happier than I’ve ever seen you, and I know she’s a big part of that. I can’t wait to meet her, son.”

“I’m eager to meet her as well,” Elena tells me, pulling me into a warm embrace. “From what I’ve heard, she’s quite a catch.”

“She truly is,” I respond, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I just don’t want to push her into anything. She’s fresh out of a divorce and still sorting out custody issues with her daughter. She’s got a lot on her plate right now, and I don’t want to add to her stress.”

“We get it,” Jason assures me. “We’re all here to support her if she needs us.”

“Thanks, Uncle Jason,” I reply, grinning at him. “I’ll pass on the message.”

“Shouldn’t she have arrived by now?” Cassie inquires.

“She should have,” Chelsea confirms. “I’ll give her a call to check on her.” Chelsea retrieves her phone and dials a number.

“Hey, Jana! Where are you? You’re where?! Why are you…you know what, forget it. I’ll send Kyle to get you.” She ends the call and turns to me.

“Jana is outside in her car. She’s a bit nervous. Could you go fetch her?” I nod and make my way outside.

As I step out of the house, I spot Jana in her car, nervously biting her lip and clutching the steering wheel. As I approach, she turns to look at me, her face etched with worry.

She takes a deep breath and steps out of the car, leaving the door ajar as if she’s planning a quick escape. When I reach the car, I notice Athena, fast asleep in her car seat.

“Hey.” I greet Jana with a smile. “Are you alright?”

She looks down and shrugs. “I’m a bit jittery, I suppose,” she admits, avoiding my gaze. I gently place my hand on her cheek, turning her face towards me.

“You have no reason to be nervous, you know that, right?” I reassure her. “You’ve met most of the family already, and they’re smitten with you.”

She looks at me with her captivating blue eyes, and my heart skips a beat. She takes a deep breath and nods.

“You’re right,” she concedes softly. “I’m just overthinking things. I’m sure everything will be fine.” Despite her words, I can feel her trembling slightly.

“Stop overthinking,” I advise her. “Everyone’s excited to meet you and Athena. Plus, Ashlie has warned my dad to be on his best behavior, so you have nothing to worry about.” I flash her a comforting smile.

She giggles lightly and shakes her head. “I’m not worried about your dad,” she confesses. “Ashlie has already briefed me about him.”

I look at her, puzzled. “Then what’s making you so nervous?”

“It’s silly,” she dismisses, shaking her head.

“If it’s making you this nervous, it can’t be that silly,” I argue. “Tell me what it is.” She bites her lip and looks away.

“Promise you won’t laugh or tease me?” She asks. I nod, taking her hands in mine. She takes a deep breath and meets my gaze. “I’m nervous about meeting your ex.”

“You’re nervous about meeting Cassie?” I ask, struggling to suppress my laughter. Her eyes widen, and she pulls one hand away to smack my chest.

“You’re laughing!” She accuses.

“I’m not, I swear,” I assure her, still smiling. “Tell me why you’re nervous about meeting her.”

“Well, I just don’t want her to think I’m not good enough to be your friend,” she admits softly. I can’t help but laugh, the sound escaping before I can stop it. “Kyle!” she scolds, hitting me again.

“I’m sorry!”

“It’s not funny!” She protests, looking more anxious than ever.

“No, you’re right, it’s not. I apologize for laughing,” I say, clearing my throat to stifle the laughter threatening to burst out.

I can’t believe this incredible woman is standing before me, worried about whether she’s good enough to be my friend.

I can’t help but feel I’m not worthy of being her friend, which is what makes this whole situation seem so absurd to me.

“Why on earth would you believe that Cassie, or anyone else for that matter, would ever think that about you?”

“I don’t know!” she exclaims, sounding exasperated. “It’s just, after everything you’ve shared about her, how she was your first love, the one you envisioned spending your life with.

“And now you two are best friends, I just got anxious she wouldn’t see me as good enough to be your friend or…uh…” She trails off, closing her eyes and shaking her head.

“Or?” I tease, fully aware of what she’s implying. She opens her eyes and squints at me when she catches the expression on my face.

“I just don’t want her to have a negative opinion of me, that’s all,” she sighs. “I know everyone will be comparing me to her and I don’t think I can measure up to…” I place my finger on her lips to halt her words.

“Firstly, she won’t think ill of you. There’s nothing about you that would lead her to think that. Plus, Cassie would never judge anyone without getting to know them first.”

I keep my finger on her lips, knowing she’ll want to interrupt me to dispute whatever I’m about to say.

“Secondly, no one is going to compare you to Cassie. You’re two distinct individuals with unique personalities and traits.” I notice her eyes beginning to well up, so I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her close.

“And thirdly, you don’t have to compete with her for anything.

“I’ll always be there for Cassie whenever she needs me because she’s my friend and my family, but that doesn’t mean you’re any less significant to me than she is.

“I’ll never abandon you. What have I been telling you since the day we first met?”

“You got me?” she whispers.

“Exactly.” I grin at her. She grins back at me, and I rest my forehead against hers. “I got you, sweetheart. Always.” I’m about to kiss her when we hear Athena squealing from her car seat.

“MISTER KYLE!” Athena’s face lights up as she bounces in her car seat. Jana and I chuckle at her enthusiasm. I plant a gentle kiss on Jana’s forehead and walk over to Athena’s door to get her out.

As I lift her from her car seat she turns back and extends her hand towards the car.

“My Kyle!” Jana walks over and reaches into the backseat to hand Athena the stuffed frog I won for her at the fair a few weeks ago. She hasn’t let go of that stuffed toy since I gave it to her that night.

She said since her mom had me as a friend, she wanted a friend named ‘Kyle’ too. And who am I to argue with that reasoning? I shut the car door and turn to Jana.

“Feeling better now?” She smiles and nods at me, but I can tell she’s still anxious because she’s still nibbling on her lip.

“Stop fretting. Now, let’s go in and introduce you two to the rest of the family.” I take Jana’s hand and she takes Athena’s, and we head towards the house.

I can feel Jana starting to shake again and I give her hand a comforting squeeze. She turns her head to look at me and gives me a faint smile. I lean in close to her face, our lips just a breath away.

“I got you, sweetheart,” I reassure her.

“Me, too?” Athena asks as she looks up at us. Jana and I look at her and smile.

“Yes, little one, you, too,” I assure her. Jana then rests her head on my shoulder and looks up at me.

“Okay, I’m ready,” she murmurs. I kiss the top of her head and open the door. Here we go…